Technical Resources

MCA conducts many technical studies and research projects in partnership with member and industry partners. These studies include bulletins, white papers, manuals and reports that ensure that metal is at the forefront of innovation, and proactive with codes and standards.

Metal Roofs

This report documents and summarizes the work conducted to determine with reasonable certainty the roof service life that can be expected of a “like-in-kind”, low-slope 55% Al-Zn alloy-coated steel Standing Seam Roof (SSR) system when installed today in a like environment using best practices. It incorporates the results of multiple field inspections, independent laboratory analyses of metallic corrosion of roof panels, components and sealants, and includes assessment of all integral ancillary components that impact the end of roof service life.

Snow Retention
- Published
06/2018

When the architect thinks about snow, the first issue that comes to mind is loading on the roof, however the design work does not stop there. Retention of snow that has piled up on that metal roof is a real safety concern and steps must be taken to make sure that the hundreds of pounds of material does not come down from that roof all at once posing a safety risk to both property and people. Even at that, the designer’s work is not done since the connection of these devices can relate to a number of holes in the roof deck that must now be protected against leaking.

Lightning and Metal Roofing
- Published
06/2018

When a metal roof is employed on a project, it seems to heighten people’s awareness of lightning and some question whether or not the use of metallic roofing increases the risk of lightning strike. Metal roofing does not in any way increase this risk.

Standing Seam Roof Clips Best Practices Guide
- Published
09/2017

Most standing seam panel installations require the use of specific fastening techniques to allow for thermal expansion and contraction while also safeguarding against attachment fatigue. This document focuses on clip-attached style standing seam roof systems, and addresses specific details and concerns for proper selection and use of the connection that anchors the roof panel to the roof panel support element.

Selection and Installation of Curbs on Hydrostatic Low-Slope Coated Steel and Aluminum Roofing
- Published
07/2017

This document describes best practices for the selection and installation of curbs used specifically on low slope (less than 2:12), coated-steel or aluminum roof systems. Steep slope or architectural roofing is not addressed in this document. Different design considerations for curbs are required for steep slope roofing and for materials other than coated steel or aluminum.

This white paper, written by Brian Gardiner of BMG Enterprises, LLC, compares two commonly used methods of retrofitting exiting metal roofs, single-ply systems and metal panels, and illustrates important design considerations that apply. The design consideration include the existing support structure, secondary framing deflection, the existing metal roof properties, drainage, roof fastening, drag load, and fire rating. The paper also contains a brief review of the building code requirement.

This Technical Bulletin is intended to serve as a guide for the application of spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) used in metal panel assemblies. Single skin metal walls and roofs are durable and sustainable components of a building envelope system, however the cladding offers no inherent insulation value to the building. To improve the energy efficiency of buildings, insulation, air barriers and vapor retarders are commonly used.

This Technical Bulletin provides guidance when working with different metals used in roofing installations. Most metals used for construction projects are chosen for their strength, corrosion resistance and longevity. However, some metals do not perform well when placed in contact with specific other metals or exposed to certain chemical compounds. Users should be aware of compatibility issues and situations that may affect the performance of the installed roof.

Roof Seaming Best Practices Guide
- Published
08/2015

The purpose of this guide is to familiarize personnel with the general knowledge, basic operation, safety, and maintenance procedures followed by standard troubleshooting suggestions for standard roof seaming processes. This is a general guide to be used in conjunction with the material installation guide and the project's erection drawings.

Metal Roof Design for Cold Climates
- Published
05/2014

Metal roofs have long been considered a product of choice for snow areas because of their superior response and tolerance to many of the characteristics of these environments. This technical bulletin will provide the designer with the information required to make a prudent and informed decision through awareness of some general design parameters and snowmelt phenomena.

Metal Roofing from (A) Aluminum to (Z) Zinc
- Published
01/2014

This seven-part series written by Rob Haddock, president of the Metal Roof Advisory Group, Ltd., offers essential, detailed information on metal roofing including the history and material types, appropriate coatings and paint systems, induced finishes, profiles and profiling equipment, metal panel attachment, and the mounting of rooftop equipment.